Common File Types

OVERVIEW

While downloading files and viewing websites, you’ll meet up with many file formats. Most
are common, and encountered frequently, others are more obscure and require specialist
programs to open or use. Here, we have a list of the file types, along with the applications
you’ll need to get them going on your computer.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MORE COMMON FILE TYPES?

There are many different file types that you may come across; some of these might be for
media such as .jpg, .mp3, .mp4, etc. Below are some of the more common file types you’ll
see:

Audio Video Images Documents Websites

.mp3 .mp4 .jpg .doc .html

(.jpeg) (.docx) (htm)

.flac .mov .gif .xls .php

(.xlms) (.php4)

.mpg .ppt
.wav .bmp (.pptx) .asp

(.mpeg)

.mid .avi .png .pdf .css

.flv .psd .txt .xml

WHAT ARE SERVER CONFIGURATION FILES?

Server Configuration Files are created to manipulate the way a server runs. These files can
be used in a series of different ways depending on their application. We’re going to cover
the 3 of the more common ones, as they can have an impact on our ability to troubleshoot
customer’s website issues, and in some cases, in the resolution to a customer’s issues.

The Server Configuration Files we’ll be covering will be:

FEB 2020 | Web.com Customer Program Management 1
  .htaccess
 Web.config
 Php.ini

.HTACESS | WHAT IS IT?

A .htaccess is a configuration file for use on web servers running the Apache
Web Server software. When a .htaccess file is placed in a directory which is in
turn ‘loaded via the Apache Web Server’, then the .htaccess file is detected and
executed by the Apache Web Server software. These .htaccess files can be used
to alter the configuration of the Apache Web Server software to enable/disable
additional functionality and features that the Apache Web Server software has to offer.
These facilities include basic redirect functionality, for instance if a 404 file not found
error occurs, or for more advanced functions such as content password protection or
image hot link prevention.

The 'dot' before its name makes it a hidden file in UNIX based environments (this is why
you must select “force show hidden files” when connecting via FTP, otherwise it will not
be visible as it is a hidden file by default.

. HTACESS | COMMON USES

Authorization
A .htaccess file is often used to specify security restrictions for a directory, hence the
filename "access". The .htaccess file is often accompanied by a .htpasswd file which
stores valid usernames and their passwords
URL rewriting
Servers often use .htaccess for rewriting long, overly comprehensive URLs to shorter
and more memorable ones.
Blocking
Use allow/deny to block users by IP address or domain. Also, use to block bad bots,
rippers and referrers. Often used to restrict access by web crawlers
SSI (Server Side Includes)
Enable server-side includes.
Directory listing
Control how the server will react when no specific web page is specified.
MIME types
Instruct the server how to treat different varying file types.
Cache Control

FEB 2020 | Web.com Customer Program Management 2

 .htaccess files allow a server to control caching by web browsers and proxies to reduce
bandwidth usage, server load, and perceived lag.
.HTACESS | TROUBLESHOOTING

If you are getting errors on your website, the .htaccess file can often be the culprit. This is
easily tested by renaming your current .htaccess file. Simply rename the .htaccess to
.htaccess-old and reload the website. If the site loads then you know the issue resides in
the configuration of the .htaccess file. If it does not fix the issue rename the htaccess by
removing the -old so it won't affect the website after the issue is resolved.

WEB.CONFIG | WHAT IS IT?

A Web.config file is the main settings and configuration file for an ASP.NET web
application. It is an XML document that resides in the root directory of the site or
application and contains data about how the web application will act. This information
controls module loading, security configuration, session state configuration, and
application language and compilation settings. Web.config files can also contain
application specific items such as database connection strings.

At the top of the hierarchy sits the Machine.Config file, which specifies the settings that are
global to a particular machine. You can override settings in the Machine.Config file for all
the applications in a particular Web site by placing a Web.Config file in the root directory of
the Web site.

WEB.CONFIG | COMMON USES

301 Redirects

Redirecting URLs to be more easily readable (e.g., mysite.com/product/shirt instead

of mysite.com/prodid=1234)

Customer Error Pages

Loading custom error pages (e.g., 404 pages)

Forcing HTTPS

Forcing your site to route through https instead of http. This is important if the
customer is planning on using an SSL.

Password Protecting Directories

Password protecting certain directories

FEB 2020 | Web.com Customer Program Management 3
WEB.CONFIG | TROUBLESHOOTING

Similar to the .htaccess, the majority of your troubleshooting of a web.config file, is to

confirm the issues the customer is experiencing with their website is related to something
within the web.config file itself.

PHP.INI | WHAT IS IT?

The php.ini file is the default configuration file for running applications that require PHP.
It is used to control variables such as upload sizes, file timeouts, and resource limits.

A good tip is to first upload an info.php file to list the current server specs for php. It can
also make it easier to modify the specifications, as well as confirm when the changes
take effect.

PHP.INI | COMMON USES

Updating the Max File Upload Size

upload_max_filesize = 20M; (default 8 - Max, 32)

Updating the Max Post Size

post_max_size = 20M; (Average, 20 - Max, 32)

Enabling URL fopen

This can be used to retrieve data from remote servers or websites. However, if incorrectly
used, this function can compromise the security of your site.

allow_url_fopen = On; (off by default - you can turn to On)

Increasing the Memory Limit on the Server

memory_limit = 24M; (default of 8M, Max 32)

PHP.INI | TROUBLESHOOTING

Troubleshooting a php.ini would entail ensuring the file itself is in the correct directory (cgi-
bin for NetSol VUX hosting). From there you can utilize an info.php file to confirm if the
modification entered in the php.ini are taking effect on the server.

FEB 2020 | Web.com Customer Program Management 4